<< Peninsula New 10 March 2008 - Song writers will meet at Ettalong >>

Song writers will meet at Ettalong

The Peninsula will be hosting the first annual Australian Songwriters Conference in June.

The four day event will be held on Friday, June 6, to Monday, June 9, at the Ettalong Beach Club and Mantra Resort, Ettalong Beach.

Conference coordinator Ms Lisa Butler said Australia has never hosted a conference of this scope before.

"Although week-long songwriting camps and conferences are regularly held overseas there has never been a conference of this scope, particularly for songwriters, held in Australia," Ms Butler said.

"The conference will deal specifically and exclusively with the craft and business of songwriting.

"The conference is committed to bringing in Australia's top music industry professionals to run seminars relating to songwriters and the Australian music industry, including top songwriters, producers, publishers, music lawyers, and representatives from the major Australian songwriting associations."

The conference's key guest speaker will be top US songwriter Jason Blume, along with Australian hit songwriters Gary Pinto, Phil Buckle, Di Torossian and Adrian Hannan.

Mr Blume is one of the few songwriters to ever achieve the distinction of having his songs on Billboard's Pop, R&B, and Country charts - all at the same time.

His songs have been recorded by pop superstars Britney Spears, the Backstreet Boys, and Jesse McCartney.

The Australian hit songwriters and producers attending the conference have worked with other notable musicians including Guy Sebastian, Anthony Callea, Christine Anu, Jimmy Barnes, Jade McRae, Delta Goodrem, and Powderfinger.

"The Australian Songwriters Conference is unique in that it is open to all songwriters, regardless of age, location, songwriting experience or genre," Ms Butler said.

"Songwriters do not need to be members of existing organisations, and the conference agenda is packed full of seminars, workshops and other activities relevant to both performing and non-performing songwriters."

A song contest will be held during the conference giving songwriters and performers the chance to showcase their work and win major prizes.

Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to perform their original material at the Open Mike nights held over the four days.

For further information and bookings, contact Lisa Butler on 0412 149 094 or visit the website at www.australiansongwritersconference.com.au.

Press release, 3 Mar 2008 Lisa Butler, Australian Songwriters Conference